How did the assassination lead to War?

• In June 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated while visiting Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. This spark off a process that led to war throughout Europe within a few weeks.

• The Austrians blamed Serbia for the assassination and, after issuing an ultimatum, Austria declared war on Serbia.

• Because of the Alliance System, Russia supported Serbia, and Germany supported Austria.

• Within six weeks of the assassination, the great countries of Europe were at war.

• 28 June 1914 – The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Bosnia.

• Austria blames Serbia for the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

• Austria declares war on Serbia. Belgrade (in Serbia) is shelled.

• The Russian army gets ready to help Serbia defend itself against the Austro-Hungarian attack.

• Germany, Austria’s ally, sends a demand to Russia ordering it to hold back from helping Serbia.

• Germany declares war on Russia. It also begins to move its army towards France, Russia’s ally.

• The French army is put on a war footing, ready to fight a German invasion.

• Germany declares war on France and invades neutral Belgium. Britain orders Germany to withdraw from Belgium.

• The Germans are still in Belgium, so Britain declares war on Germany.

• To complete the picture, Austria declares war on Russia.